In a moment that blended music, baseball, and pure heart, Cincinnati Reds icon Sean Casey shocked the University of Cincinnati marching band with a surprise $100,000 donation—and his reason left the crowd in tears.
The gift, which came during a special pregame ceremony at Great American Ball Park last Saturday, will go toward funding instrument repairs, scholarships, and travel for underfunded band members. But for Casey, known affectionately as “The Mayor” during his playing days, the gesture was personal.
“You gave us the soundtrack of summer,” Casey said, looking out at the red-and-black-uniformed students. “Every home game, every anthem, every 7th inning stretch—you were there. You never missed a beat. Now it’s our turn to play for you.”
The crowd of over 35,000 erupted as Casey pulled a large check from a crimson envelope and handed it to band director Dr. Terrell White, who was visibly emotional. Moments later, the band launched into a powerful medley of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” and “Sweet Caroline,” as fans stood and clapped in sync.
Social media immediately exploded with praise:
“Sean Casey just proved he’s still Cincinnati’s favorite son.”
“He didn’t have to do it. That’s what makes it real.”
“$100,000 to the band? I’ve never cried at a ballgame until today.”
According to sources close to the Reds organization, Casey had quietly been working with team officials and UC alumni to coordinate the surprise. The donation comes at a time when arts programs are seeing funding cuts across Ohio, and several band members reportedly were at risk of dropping out due to financial pressure.
Casey, a three-time All-Star and beloved clubhouse leader during the late ‘90s and early 2000s, has always been involved in community outreach—but never like this. When asked by local media what motivated him, he smiled and said:
“These kids showed up for us when we were losing 90 games a season. They didn’t play for a score—they played for pride. That’s Cincinnati.”
What made the moment even more powerful was Casey’s reveal that his own son had been in the UC marching band, graduating just a few years ago.
“I saw what it took—the hours, the exhaustion, the travel. And I saw the joy too. That’s why this means something.”
Dr. White later shared that several students had tears in their eyes during the ceremony—not because of the money alone, but because someone finally saw them.
“Most people come to the game for the players. Today, one of the players came for us,” he said.
The University of Cincinnati announced it will rename its band practice field “Casey Field” in his honor.
As one fan commented online:
“Sean Casey gave us hits on the field. Now he’s giving hope off it. That’s what legends do.
